14 June 2024
Varuna 202/4 conference in Antananarivo: A resounding success for biodiversity
On June 11 and 12, 2024, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, a major international event for the preservation of biodiversity was held: the Varuna 202/4 conference. This event marked the half-way point of the Varuna program (2022-2026) financed by the Agence Française de Développement and implemented by Expertise France. It reaffirmed the clear and renewed objective of placing biodiversity at the heart of our decision-making.
An International Gathering for Biodiversity
Over 150 participants, including ministers from the West Indian Ocean territories, scientists, protected area managers, NGOs, diplomats and conservation experts, gathered to discuss the progress and challenges of the Varuna program. The conference provided an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and promote innovative solutions for the preservation of biodiversity.
Speeches by Ministers from the Indian Ocean Region
Madagascar
Madagascar’s Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Mr. Max Andonirina Fontaine, opened the conference by emphasizing the importance of biodiversity for the well-being of populations and the resilience of ecosystems in the face of climate challenges. He also praised the work of the Varuna program’s partners and called for greater cooperation to protect and enhance the region’s natural heritage.
Comoros
Mr. Houmed M’Saïdie, Comoros Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment, Tourism and Handicrafts, stressed the need to change consumption patterns to reduce food waste and the overexploitation of natural resources. He underlined that the Varuna program, with its three priority axes, is perfectly aligned with the ongoing actions and challenges of the Comoros towards an eco-responsible society.
Seychelles
The Seychelles Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert, called for strong and innovative partnerships to promote a better understanding of biodiversity challenges. He encouraged all participants to connect, and work together to create a future where biodiversity thrives for future generations.
Fruitful exchanges and opportunities for collaboration
Scientists, protected area managers, NGOs, ministers, diplomats, conservation and cooperation experts and donors from all the countries in the region were able to exchange views over the two days on the projects supported by the Varuna program and on other programs underway in the Indian Ocean. The Varuna 202/4 conference thus marked an important moment in the convergence of efforts to protect the region’s biodiversity.
Jérémy Casteuble, Head of Biodiversity at Expertise France, was also delighted with the success of the conference: “It was a great success in terms of mobilization. Firstly, for all the partners already involved in the Varuna program, who were able to meet and exchange experiences. On the other hand, for all the regional players present, who had not yet fully mobilized alongside us. This has now been done, and it’s a great step forward for the scope of our actions. New opportunities are opening up to bring even more skills into the Varuna network. And this is all the more important given that the program is now entering a 2nd phase, which will see our activities intensify in different territories. Varuna will be ever more present to support the private and public sectors in their biodiversity preservation strategies.”
Towards a Promising Future for Biodiversity
The conference not only strengthened regional cooperation, but also highlighted innovative solutions and solid partnerships to promote biodiversity. More than ever, the Varuna program, with its 7 partners and 8 projects, is positioning itself as a major player in the preservation of life in the south-west Indian Ocean.
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